NIGERIAN MILITARY PLEDGES SUPPORT FOR 2023 CENSUS

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, OFR has pledged the military’s support to ensure the peaceful and successful conduct of the 2023 census exercise.

Gen. Musa disclosed this while playing host to the National Population Commission (NPC) delegation led by its chairman, Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

Musa acknowledged the significance of an accurate census in steering the nation toward robust growth and security.

The CDS pledged the military’s wholehearted cooperation in providing logistical support and security coverage for the census.

“We will assist the Commission in the aspect of logistics. As you know the military has a comprehensive logistic system that works perfectly wherever we are located.

“We are assuring you of making all these accessible for the Commission to have a successful census”, he said.

He affirmed the military’s determination to play an essential role in safeguarding the census process, thereby ensuring that every Nigerian’s presence is recognized and accounted for.

Stating the purpose of his visit, Hon. Kwarra said the delegation of the Commission was here to extend gratitude to Gen. Musa and the military for their role in safeguarding Nigeria, and to discuss the upcoming 2023 Census.

He highlighted its crucial role in facilitating comprehensive developmental processes, ensuring equitable growth across the nation, and implementing effective security measures throughout the length and breadth of Nigeria.

Hon. Kwarra emphasized that every Nigerian’s participation in the census was imperative and that no individual should be left uncounted.

Kwarra however urged the military to provide security coverage and allow the NPC access to military barracks nationwide, adding that the military’s support was important in conducting a seamless and comprehensive census exercise.

NPC Chairman recalled with delight his advocacy visit to Gen. Musa, the then Theater Commander for ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ in Borno State. He further emphasized that Gen. Musa's deep understanding of the importance of data for security and planning for national development is a source of encouragement and happiness to the Commission that we have an accomplished professional at the helm of the military hierarchy.

Hon. Kwarra informed Gen. Musa of his role as a member of the National Census Security and Logistics Committee based on his capacity as the Chief of Defence Staff. The National Census Security and Logistics Committee was inaugurated in February this year under the chairmanship of the National Security Adviser and the Chairman of National Population Commission.

However, the visit to the Chief of Defence Staff was in continuation of the NPC's ongoing strategic engagement with key stakeholders to solicit support and ensure the successful conduct of the first digital census in Nigeria.